In Brief

In Brief

Article excerpt

Share sale means bonus for Benfield holders REINSURANCE broker Benfield is paying back [pounds sterling]60 million to shareholders through a special dividend and buyback programme.

Gains from a share sale in rival Montpelier Re meant pre-tax profits rose 75% to [pounds sterling]115.1 million in the six months to 30 June. Benfield has declared a special divi of 10p alongside an interim payout of 3.5p.

Output problems leave UK Coal deeper in red LOSSES at UK Coal have widened after a spate of output problems since the start of the year. Chief executive Gordon McPhie today conceded a 25% drop in sales volumes to 7.4 million tonnes over the six months to 30 June was "disappointing", but said it should pick up after the end of a dispute at its Kellingley mine. Pre-tax losses grew to [pounds sterling]5.8 million from [pounds sterling]800,000 a year ago.

The dividend is held at 5p.

Urbium revamps take a bite out of profits UPMARKET bars operator Urbium today said trading in the West End and City was "vibrant", and reported like-for-like sales in the past nine weeks up 3%. …